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###1: Cadmium [Mass/time] in 24-hour urine

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

###3: This test measures the amount of cadmium eliminated in the urine collected over 24 hours. It can help assess recent cadmium exposure and may be used in occupational or environmental health evaluations.

Quick summary

["###4: The result reflects cadmium excretion over one day and should be interpreted with the collection quality, exposure history, and laboratory information."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
32304-8
Short code
CdU24
Synonyms
Cadmium 24h Ur-sRate
Category
chemistry
Sample
urine
Container
24-hour urine collection container, metal-free, acid-washed polyethylene with trace element-free preservatives
Units
N/A
Ref low
0
Ref high
0.0089
Critical range
— – 0.0445 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
≥ 18 years
Method
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
CPT
82300
SNOMED
2593006
Specimen volume
Complete 24-hour urine collection (minimum 50 mL aliquot from total volume); total volume should be recorded
Stability
Room temperature: 7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 14 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 1 year. Specimen should be acidified with nitric acid to pH <2 for long-term storage.
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
24–72 hours
Order
routine

###5: What the test measures

###6: Cadmium is a metal that can enter the body through exposure to certain workplaces, contaminated foods or water, tobacco smoke, or other sources. The 24-hour urine test estimates how much cadmium is being removed from the body over the full collection period.

###7: How the urine is collected

###8: All urine produced for 24 hours is collected in a designated container, with the collection start and end times recorded. The container should be closed, kept as instructed, and taken to the laboratory within the specified time. Any urine missed during the collection can make the result less reliable.

###9: Common reasons for testing

###10: This test may be ordered for people with possible occupational cadmium exposure, such as work involving batteries, metal plating, mining, welding, or certain manufacturing processes. It may also be used when environmental or food exposure is suspected.

###11: Factors that can affect the result

###11: The result can be influenced by how completely the 24-hour urine was collected, recent exposure, kidney function, medications or supplements that may contain or increase cadmium exposure, and laboratory collection or handling conditions. The laboratory's collection instructions and reference information should be reviewed with a clinician.

Reference range

Reference values for unexposed adults: typically <1.0 μg/g creatinine or <1.0 μg/24 hours; values may vary by laboratory. Biological Exposure Index (BEI) for occupational exposure: <5 μg/g creatinine.N/A

Specimen: urine

No fasting required. Patients should avoid consuming shellfish, organ meats, and supplements containing zinc or calcium for 48 hours prior to collection as these may affect cadmium absorption. Occupational exposure history should be documented.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

###2: 24-hour urine cadmium rate

Frequently asked questions

###14: Is this the same as a blood cadmium test?
###15: No. A 24-hour urine cadmium rate reflects cadmium excreted over one day, while a blood cadmium test generally reflects the amount present in the blood at the time of the blood draw. They may provide different information and are not interchangeable.
###16: Why is a 24-hour urine collection important?
###17: Collecting all urine for 24 hours helps measure total cadmium elimination and reduces the effect of day-to-day variation in urine output. Incomplete collections or incorrect timing can make the reported rate inaccurate.
###18: What if the result is high?
###19: A high result should prompt review with a healthcare professional. The clinician may review possible exposure sources, consider repeat testing, assess kidney function, and recommend steps to reduce further exposure. Urgent medical attention is generally based on symptoms and the overall clinical situation rather than a single cadmium result alone.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy